Even though we’re subjected to relentless claims that the golden age of automobiles has long passed us, I can think of worse things than a 900-horsepower supercar with C02 emissions comparable to a Scion FR-S.
Using the same twin-turbo V8 for the McLaren MP4-12C, the P1, as this yellow number is known, puts out 903 horsepower in total – the V8 puts out 727 ponies, while an electric motor is good for a further 176. 0-60 mph comes up in under three seconds, while top speed is said to be 217 mph.
The other side of the coin here is, of course, eco-friendliness. What kind of supercar doesn’t have some green cred nowadays? A KERS-like system, dubbed IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) can unleash all 176 horsepower from the electric motor, and an F1-style Drag Reduction System can also be employed. If you need to run to the corner store for a jug of milk, the P1 can travel up to six miles on pure electric power. A full recharge takes a mere two hours.
Only 375 P1s will be built and the price should be well into the 7 figures.
